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Nature’s larder

Marri trees, Corymbia calophylla, are some of the largest trees in the bushland. They are the ones with the large fruiting bodies, commonly called honkey nuts. These trees can grow up to 30 metres tall and will spread their branches wide where there is room.

Marri trees are highly valued by wildlife. They provide nectar during summer, when not many plants are flowering, seeds and leaves to eat all year round, shelter in the shade of dense foliage and hollows for nests in the larger trees.

Look closely at the flowers, stems, leaves and bark and you are bound to find something living on the tree. There will even be insects living inside the wood of the tree. Longicorn beetle grubs burrow into the wood and cause the tree to ‘bleed’ red gum. This gum then attracts other insects.

Marri trees are the backbone of our bushland. They dominate the landscape and provide something for every animal in the area.